2012 Game Improvement Irons

Golfshake have taken an independent a look at some of the 2012’s Game Improvement irons and the technologies, features and benefits on offer.

New face construction methods over the past few years have allowed the major brands to create more forgiving and longer game improvement irons.  In addition correctly specified and matched shaft types have also created a better combination of head and shaft technology, allowing players to benefit from greater consistency.

Titleist AP1 and AP2

Titleist has launched the new AP1 and AP2 irons with an improved multi layered material technology. The AP1 has a larger head and cavity and is more forgiving. Featuring a high MOI stainless steel body for added club head control and a tungsten weight in the sole for a solid impact and high ball launch.  The new AP1 has a thinner top line for a classic look and comes as standard with a True Temper Dynalite Gold shaft and a Titleist Tour Velvet Grip.

The AP2 has a small head, designed for the mid-low handicapper who may be looking for a forgiving, but responsive set of irons. The forged body of the AP2 allows a player to work and create shots while the tungsten weight in sole creates a solid strike. The irons have a compact head shape and improved sole design for better ball/turf connection. The shaft is a True Temper Dynamic Gold fitted as standard. The slightly heavier, high kick point shaft allows for a lower, more controlled ball flight.

PING i20

The Ping i20 irons feature a medium, but progressive head shape which is larger in the longer irons and smaller, more compact in the short irons. Stabilising bars in the cavity help add forgiveness and shot control while the Custom Tuning Port allows for a versatile placement of the centre gravity helping to create an optimal ball flight.

Unlike some Ping irons there is a ferrule fitted where the head meets the shaft giving the Ping i20 a more classic look than many of its predecessors.

The Ping i20 is fitted with a Ping CFC steel shaft. The CFC has fewer steps for a softer more responsive feel.

TaylorMade Rocketballz

The Rocketballz series of woods have made an impact on both tours during the first half of 2012 and the new Rocketballz irons complete the line-up. Employing metal wood technology and a flexible face to improve accuracy in the short irons and distance in the long irons.  The face technology is complimented by a vibration control system in the cavity and ATV sole technology in the wedges. The ATV sole technology allows for improved versatility around the greens to play all shot types.

The irons feature a dark brushed finish and futuristic insert in the cavity. They are fitted with the TaylorMade RBZ Steel Shaft as standard. The RBZ features a low kick point to encourage high ball launch.

Callaway RAZR X Irons

Callaway Golf have created the RAZR X irons with a 15% deeper cavity as well as lowering the centre of gravity by 12%, this makes them very forgiving and creates a long high ball flight. In addition the RAZR X has variable face technology (VFT) for a spring like club face leading to high ball speeds and more distance. The perimeter weighting and large under-cut cavity create a stable and forgiving game improvement set of irons.

The RAZR X irons are complimented by a designed for Callaway, True Temper M10 flighted shaft, which has a soft tip for higher ball launch.

Nike VR_S Irons

The Nike VR-S irons are unusual in that they combine both a larger oversized head with a forged steel composition. This combination allows a player to benefit from both great forgiveness and the superior feel and responsiveness of a forged head. Nike’s X3X groove technology is used to create greater spin control and more accurate iron shots.

The Nippon NS Pro 950 GH shaft comes as standard. This mid kick point shaft is versatile allowing all golfers the flexibility to control ball flight. The Nike VR-S is completed with a soft and responsive Nike Tour Velvet rubber grip.

Adams Golf Idea A12 OS

Adams golf have led the way in the hybrid category for the last several years and their new Idea A12 OS irons are a combo set of hybrids in the long irons and over sized cavities in the short irons. This makes them Adams most forgiving irons on the market.

The hybrid long irons feature Adam’s popular velocity slot technology which allows Adams to manufacture a thinner face and as a result create more distance off the tee. The shorter irons are perimeter weighted and have deep cut cavity creating a high ball launch.

True Temper Performance 85 light weight steel shafts are fitted as standard and help create extra club head speed. The soft tip encourages a long high ball flight and all clubs are fitted with Adam’s Tour Elite Plus grips.

Cobra AMP

New in 2012 is Cobra’s AMP range of clubs, the irons are separated into two different construction methods. The longer irons are 2 piece and made of 17-4 stainless steel to generate a hot feel and extra distance. The short irons are 1 piece and made from a softer 431 stainless steel for extra feel and touch when playing into and around the greens.

AMP stands for advanced material placement and is evidenced by the E9 technology face and vibration dampening TPR layered cavity. The AMP irons have a True Temper Dynalite 90 gram shaft fitted as standard. Completing the setup is a Lamkin 3Gen grip.

Mizuno JPX800 HD

Mizuno are well known for their quality forged irons, but they also create technologically advanced game improvement irons. Their latest offering arrives in the form of the JPX800 HD, which features a new C-Grind sole and large off-set cavity for maximum control and forgiveness. The heads progress in size from oversize long irons to smaller headed short irons. This allows for  workable shot making in and around the greens.

The JPX800 create further distance and forgiveness by fitting True Temper Dynalite Gold XP Steel shaft as standard. This light weight shaft helps increase club head speed and high launch for longer golf shots.